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Governor Rick Perry said it.....
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Dec. 11, 2006
Gov. Perry Appoints 15 to Texas Health Care System Integrity Partnership
Also Appoints Four to Serve as Ex-Officio Members
AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry has announced the appointment of 15 people to the Texas Health Care System Integrity Partnership, an advisory group for the development of the Texas Health Care System Integrity Authority (THCSIA). Perry appointed Ron Luke of Austin to serve as chair of the Texas Health Care System Integrity Partnership.
Perry also named four people to serve as non-voting ex-officio members of the Partnership, including Texas Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Albert Hawkins; Acting Commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services Charles Bell; Texas Insurance Commissioner Mike Geeslin; and Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott. All members will serve for a term at the pleasure of the governor.
“Ultimately, our goal is to improve patient safety and provide consumers with better care at a price more Texas families and small businesses can afford,” Perry said. “The members of this partnership will assist in creating a more efficient and effective health care system in Texas by constructing the framework for the Texas Health Care System Integrity Authority.”
In October, Gov. Perry issued an executive order that will lead to the creation of a new public-private collaborative, the THCSIA, in order to further efforts to create a secure electronic medical records system, arm consumers with the ability to comparison shop for health care and provide a more robust health insurance market for small employers.
The Partnership will work together during the next three months to develop the finance and governance structures for the THCSIA.
The Partnership will report its findings to the governor, the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house by March 1, 2007.
The appointees to the Partnership are:
Ron Luke of Austin, who will be serving as chair, is president of Research and Planning Consultants, L.P., a company that provides health care consulting services to health care providers and payors. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas, where he is a member of the health law and insurance sections, and the American Bar Association, where he is a member of the health law section. Luke is also a member of the National Association of Health Data Organizations. As a volunteer he has served on the boards of the Texas Business Group on Health, the Texas Association of Business and the Samaritan Counseling Center. He has also served on the boards of Easter Seals Central Texas, the Texas Health Care Information Council, the Health and Human Services Council, and the Harvard Club of Austin. Luke received a bachelor’s degree from Harvard College, where he also received a master’s and doctoral degree in public policy. He earned his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law.
Spencer Berthelsen, M.D., of Sugar Land is managing director and chairman of the board of directors for Kelsey-Seybold Medical Group in Houston. He is a member of the Texas Medical Association, the American Medical Association and the Harris County Medical Society. Berthelsen is also a member of the American College of Physician Executives and the Texas Medical Association Council on Legislation. He is a clinical professor of medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Berthelsen received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Rice University and a medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School.
Fred Sinclair Brinkley Jr. of Austin is vice president of professional affairs for Medco Health Solutions, Inc. He is a member of the Capitol Area Pharmaceutical Association, the Texas Pharmacy Association, the American Pharmacists Association, and the Texas and American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Brinkley is also a member of the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy and the American Society for Pharmacy Law. He previously served as chairman of the University of Texas Pharmaceutical Foundation and president of the University of Texas’ College of Pharmacy Alumni Association. Brinkley received a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy and a master of business administration from the University of Texas at Austin.
Kim A. Caldwell of McKinney is a registered pharmacist and is senior director for corporate reimbursement in the federal government affairs division of Abbott. He is vice president and former president of the Texas State Board of Pharmacy. He is a member of the Texas Pharmacy Association, the American Pharmaceutical Association and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. Caldwell is also a member of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy. Prior to joining Abbott, Caldwell served as one of four division directors leading the creation and operations of Medicare Part D within the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. He has broad knowledge relating to pharmacy and healthcare. He previously owned an independent pharmacy, lead managed care and PBM pharmacy functions, and served as privacy officer and head of clinical programs for an E-Prescribing organization. He is former president of Athens Independent School District and the Athens Municipal Water Authority. Caldwell received a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Southwestern Oklahoma State University.
Marianne Fazen of Dallas is the executive director of the Dallas-Fort Worth Business Group on Health. She is president of the Texas Business Group on Health and executive director of the Southwest Benefits Association. Fazen is a director of the Utilization Review and Accreditation Commission, whose mission is to promote continuous improvement in the quality and efficiency of health care management through processes of accreditation and education. She is an advisor of the Dallas Community Health Task Force and serves on the Hospital Data Advisory Board of the Texas Department of Health. She is also immediate past president of the National Business Coalition on Health. Fazen received a bachelor's degree in medical technology from the University of Wisconsin and a doctorate in communication disorders from the University of Texas at Dallas.
Audrey Gilbreath of Katy is president and CEO of Gilbreath Communications, Inc. She is a member of the Houston Minority Business Council, Women's Business Enterprise Alliance and President's Council of the Houston Advertising Federation. Gilbreath is a board member of the Greater Houston Partnership, the Houston Image Group and the Ensemble Theatre. She also serves on the advisory board of the United Negro College Fund. Gilbreath received a bachelor's degree in radio and television from Grambling State University.
Gary E. Goldstein, M.D., of Austin is CEO of the western region of Humana, Inc. He is a member of the American Medical Association and the American Association of Insurance Plans. He serves on the board of the Ronald McDonald House, the National Jewish Hospital, Zachary Scott Theatre, Austin Lyric Opera and the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce. Goldstein received a bachelor’s degree and medical degree from George Washington University.
Matthew J. Hamlin of Argyle is managing director of Quest Diagnostics. He is a member of the Chicago Health Executives Forum, the Clinical Laboratory Management Association and a diplomate of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He received the Regent’s Award from the American College of Healthcare Executives. Hamlin received a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from Ohio Wesleyan University and a master of business administration from George Washington University.
George B. Hernandez Jr. of San Antonio is president and CEO of the University Health System. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Texas and the Health Law Forum Committee. Hernandez is also a member of the American Society of Lawyers and is vice chair of the Bexar County Mental Health Mental Retardation Center. He serves as chair of the Texas Association of Public and Non-Profit Hospitals, vice chair for the Daughters of Charity Services of San Antonio and on the board of the United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County. He also serves on the board of the Texas Hospital Association and as a member of the Code Red Task Force on Access to Health Care in Texas. Hernandez received a bachelor’s degree in political science from St. Mary’s University and a law degree from the George Washington University School of Law.
Sing N. Lim of Sugar Land is a regional manager of Wal-Mart Pharmacy Division. He serves on the board of the Texas Federation of Drug Stores and is a member of the employer advisory panel for the University of Texas School of Pharmacy. Lim received a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from the University of Texas at Austin.
Danny McCoy of Corsicana is the medical director of Trinity Clinic Corsicana and a member of the board of directors of Trinity Mother Francis Health System. He is president-elect of the Texas Dermatological Society and is a member of the Texas Medical Association and the American Academy of Dermatology. He also serves as an alternate delegate of the American Medical Association. McCoy is also past president of the Navarro College Foundation. A graduate of Tarleton State University, he received his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas and completed his residency in dermatology at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.
Lisa McGiffert of Austin is a policy analyst and director for Consumers Union’s Stop Hospital Infections campaign. She is president of the board for Texas Health Education Assistance Resources and Training (HEART). She previously served as legislative director of the Texas Senate Health and Human Services Committee, and on the boards of First Step, Inc., and the Texas Council on Family Violence. McGiffert received a degree in psychology from Midwestern State University.
J. Darren Rodgers of Dallas is senior vice president of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. He is a certified health insurance executive of America’s Health Insurance Plans and a member of the International Society of Certified Employee Benefits. Rodgers serves on the board of the Texas Health Institute and is a member of the Health Information Technology Advisory Committee. He is president of the Caring for Children Foundation of Texas and is a former chairman of Walk for Diabetes. Rodgers received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Georgia, a master of arts from Duke University and a master of business administration from Tulane University.
Frederick Savelsbergh of Colleyville is the corporate vice president of hospital finance of the Baylor Health Care System. He is a member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association. Savelsbergh has more than 23 years experience in the health care industry. He previously served as vice president of finance for Baylor University Medical Center and the Baylor Medical Center at Grapevine. Savelsbergh also previously served as a member of the Texas Association of Hospital Financial Administration, the Baylor Center for Reproductive Health Board, the American Guild of Patient Accounting Managers, the Association of Managed Care Providers and the American Cancer Society Board. He received a bachelor’s degree in accounting and economics from North Texas State University.
Arthur Troilo III of Austin is an attorney in private practice. A former assistant attorney general for the State of Texas with the Consumer Protection Division, he is a member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, the Austin Apartment Association and the District of Columbia, San Antonio, Austin and Williamson County Bar associations. Troilo formerly served as a board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters and currently volunteers for Meals on Wheels, the Westlake Youth Basketball Association, the South Austin League Sports Association and the Boy Scouts of America. Troilo received a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of Texas at Austin and a law degree from the University of Houston.
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Governor Rick Perry said it.....
News To Share!
Dec. 11, 2006
Gov. Perry Appoints 15 to Texas Health Care System Integrity Partnership
Also Appoints Four to Serve as Ex-Officio Members
AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry has announced the appointment of 15 people to the Texas Health Care System Integrity Partnership, an advisory group for the development of the Texas Health Care System Integrity Authority (THCSIA). Perry appointed Ron Luke of Austin to serve as chair of the Texas Health Care System Integrity Partnership.
Perry also named four people to serve as non-voting ex-officio members of the Partnership, including Texas Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Albert Hawkins; Acting Commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services Charles Bell; Texas Insurance Commissioner Mike Geeslin; and Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott. All members will serve for a term at the pleasure of the governor.
“Ultimately, our goal is to improve patient safety and provide consumers with better care at a price more Texas families and small businesses can afford,” Perry said. “The members of this partnership will assist in creating a more efficient and effective health care system in Texas by constructing the framework for the Texas Health Care System Integrity Authority.”
In October, Gov. Perry issued an executive order that will lead to the creation of a new public-private collaborative, the THCSIA, in order to further efforts to create a secure electronic medical records system, arm consumers with the ability to comparison shop for health care and provide a more robust health insurance market for small employers.
The Partnership will work together during the next three months to develop the finance and governance structures for the THCSIA.
The Partnership will report its findings to the governor, the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house by March 1, 2007.
The appointees to the Partnership are:
Ron Luke of Austin, who will be serving as chair, is president of Research and Planning Consultants, L.P., a company that provides health care consulting services to health care providers and payors. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas, where he is a member of the health law and insurance sections, and the American Bar Association, where he is a member of the health law section. Luke is also a member of the National Association of Health Data Organizations. As a volunteer he has served on the boards of the Texas Business Group on Health, the Texas Association of Business and the Samaritan Counseling Center. He has also served on the boards of Easter Seals Central Texas, the Texas Health Care Information Council, the Health and Human Services Council, and the Harvard Club of Austin. Luke received a bachelor’s degree from Harvard College, where he also received a master’s and doctoral degree in public policy. He earned his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law.
Spencer Berthelsen, M.D., of Sugar Land is managing director and chairman of the board of directors for Kelsey-Seybold Medical Group in Houston. He is a member of the Texas Medical Association, the American Medical Association and the Harris County Medical Society. Berthelsen is also a member of the American College of Physician Executives and the Texas Medical Association Council on Legislation. He is a clinical professor of medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Berthelsen received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Rice University and a medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School.
Fred Sinclair Brinkley Jr. of Austin is vice president of professional affairs for Medco Health Solutions, Inc. He is a member of the Capitol Area Pharmaceutical Association, the Texas Pharmacy Association, the American Pharmacists Association, and the Texas and American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Brinkley is also a member of the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy and the American Society for Pharmacy Law. He previously served as chairman of the University of Texas Pharmaceutical Foundation and president of the University of Texas’ College of Pharmacy Alumni Association. Brinkley received a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy and a master of business administration from the University of Texas at Austin.
Kim A. Caldwell of McKinney is a registered pharmacist and is senior director for corporate reimbursement in the federal government affairs division of Abbott. He is vice president and former president of the Texas State Board of Pharmacy. He is a member of the Texas Pharmacy Association, the American Pharmaceutical Association and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. Caldwell is also a member of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy. Prior to joining Abbott, Caldwell served as one of four division directors leading the creation and operations of Medicare Part D within the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. He has broad knowledge relating to pharmacy and healthcare. He previously owned an independent pharmacy, lead managed care and PBM pharmacy functions, and served as privacy officer and head of clinical programs for an E-Prescribing organization. He is former president of Athens Independent School District and the Athens Municipal Water Authority. Caldwell received a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Southwestern Oklahoma State University.
Marianne Fazen of Dallas is the executive director of the Dallas-Fort Worth Business Group on Health. She is president of the Texas Business Group on Health and executive director of the Southwest Benefits Association. Fazen is a director of the Utilization Review and Accreditation Commission, whose mission is to promote continuous improvement in the quality and efficiency of health care management through processes of accreditation and education. She is an advisor of the Dallas Community Health Task Force and serves on the Hospital Data Advisory Board of the Texas Department of Health. She is also immediate past president of the National Business Coalition on Health. Fazen received a bachelor's degree in medical technology from the University of Wisconsin and a doctorate in communication disorders from the University of Texas at Dallas.
Audrey Gilbreath of Katy is president and CEO of Gilbreath Communications, Inc. She is a member of the Houston Minority Business Council, Women's Business Enterprise Alliance and President's Council of the Houston Advertising Federation. Gilbreath is a board member of the Greater Houston Partnership, the Houston Image Group and the Ensemble Theatre. She also serves on the advisory board of the United Negro College Fund. Gilbreath received a bachelor's degree in radio and television from Grambling State University.
Gary E. Goldstein, M.D., of Austin is CEO of the western region of Humana, Inc. He is a member of the American Medical Association and the American Association of Insurance Plans. He serves on the board of the Ronald McDonald House, the National Jewish Hospital, Zachary Scott Theatre, Austin Lyric Opera and the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce. Goldstein received a bachelor’s degree and medical degree from George Washington University.
Matthew J. Hamlin of Argyle is managing director of Quest Diagnostics. He is a member of the Chicago Health Executives Forum, the Clinical Laboratory Management Association and a diplomate of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He received the Regent’s Award from the American College of Healthcare Executives. Hamlin received a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from Ohio Wesleyan University and a master of business administration from George Washington University.
George B. Hernandez Jr. of San Antonio is president and CEO of the University Health System. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Texas and the Health Law Forum Committee. Hernandez is also a member of the American Society of Lawyers and is vice chair of the Bexar County Mental Health Mental Retardation Center. He serves as chair of the Texas Association of Public and Non-Profit Hospitals, vice chair for the Daughters of Charity Services of San Antonio and on the board of the United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County. He also serves on the board of the Texas Hospital Association and as a member of the Code Red Task Force on Access to Health Care in Texas. Hernandez received a bachelor’s degree in political science from St. Mary’s University and a law degree from the George Washington University School of Law.
Sing N. Lim of Sugar Land is a regional manager of Wal-Mart Pharmacy Division. He serves on the board of the Texas Federation of Drug Stores and is a member of the employer advisory panel for the University of Texas School of Pharmacy. Lim received a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from the University of Texas at Austin.
Danny McCoy of Corsicana is the medical director of Trinity Clinic Corsicana and a member of the board of directors of Trinity Mother Francis Health System. He is president-elect of the Texas Dermatological Society and is a member of the Texas Medical Association and the American Academy of Dermatology. He also serves as an alternate delegate of the American Medical Association. McCoy is also past president of the Navarro College Foundation. A graduate of Tarleton State University, he received his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas and completed his residency in dermatology at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.
Lisa McGiffert of Austin is a policy analyst and director for Consumers Union’s Stop Hospital Infections campaign. She is president of the board for Texas Health Education Assistance Resources and Training (HEART). She previously served as legislative director of the Texas Senate Health and Human Services Committee, and on the boards of First Step, Inc., and the Texas Council on Family Violence. McGiffert received a degree in psychology from Midwestern State University.
J. Darren Rodgers of Dallas is senior vice president of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. He is a certified health insurance executive of America’s Health Insurance Plans and a member of the International Society of Certified Employee Benefits. Rodgers serves on the board of the Texas Health Institute and is a member of the Health Information Technology Advisory Committee. He is president of the Caring for Children Foundation of Texas and is a former chairman of Walk for Diabetes. Rodgers received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Georgia, a master of arts from Duke University and a master of business administration from Tulane University.
Frederick Savelsbergh of Colleyville is the corporate vice president of hospital finance of the Baylor Health Care System. He is a member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association. Savelsbergh has more than 23 years experience in the health care industry. He previously served as vice president of finance for Baylor University Medical Center and the Baylor Medical Center at Grapevine. Savelsbergh also previously served as a member of the Texas Association of Hospital Financial Administration, the Baylor Center for Reproductive Health Board, the American Guild of Patient Accounting Managers, the Association of Managed Care Providers and the American Cancer Society Board. He received a bachelor’s degree in accounting and economics from North Texas State University.
Arthur Troilo III of Austin is an attorney in private practice. A former assistant attorney general for the State of Texas with the Consumer Protection Division, he is a member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, the Austin Apartment Association and the District of Columbia, San Antonio, Austin and Williamson County Bar associations. Troilo formerly served as a board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters and currently volunteers for Meals on Wheels, the Westlake Youth Basketball Association, the South Austin League Sports Association and the Boy Scouts of America. Troilo received a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of Texas at Austin and a law degree from the University of Houston.
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